When companies assess the success of an international assignment, the focus is almost always on the employee. Performance metrics, project delivery, leadership effectiveness, and team alignment dominate the conversation. Yet after decades of living and working in Indonesia with expatriate families, one truth becomes clear again and again: many assignments ...

Gene Sugandy     |     Jan 19, 2026

A Different Kind of Expat Has Arrived The face of Indonesiaโ€™s expatriate community has changed dramatically in recent years.Before the pandemic, it was common to see families relocating to Indonesia for three- to five-year postings, with generous relocation packages that covered schooling, housing, and even domestic staff.Today, that picture looks ...

Gene Sugandy     |     Nov 13, 2025

As companies streamline operations and experiment with automation across business functions, some are exploring using AI chat-based tools to support expatriates instead of investing in human cultural training. On the surface, it feels modern and efficient. AI can answer questions instantly, operate 24/7, and reduce onboarding costs. However, cultural integration ...

Gene Sugandy     |     Nov 4, 2025

Luxury brands have long known that culture sells From Chanelโ€™s Parisian elegance to Hermรจsโ€™ Japanese precision in customer experience, the worldโ€™s most iconic brands understand that success isnโ€™t only about craftsmanship โ€” itโ€™s about cultural intelligence. They know that their customers are global citizens: people who pick and choose where ...

Gene Sugandy     |     Oct 6, 2025